By Yusuff Moseray Suma
The Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and the Environment (REMAPSEN) convened its 4th media forum in Benin, focusing on strategies to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across Africa. The forum, themed “From Neglect to Spotlight: Driving Africa’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Agenda,” brought together journalists, health experts, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to amplify the continent’s response to NTDs.
Over twenty journalists and health practitioners from both anglophone and francophone countries attended, emphasizing the critical role of media in raising awareness and reducing stigma against people affected by NTDs. Panel discussions, including “Equity, Innovation and Sports: Serving Communities for the Elimination of NTDs,” highlighted the need for creative advocacy, inclusive financing, and stronger partnerships to accelerate elimination efforts.
Sophietou Diop, Speak Up Africa’s Partnership Director, urged journalists to go beyond traditional reporting by engaging philanthropists and private-sector actors to invest in Africa’s fight against NTDs. She stressed the importance of combining artistic advocacy with strong technical knowledge to achieve measurable impact.
French-Beninese NBA champion and founder of I AM Foundation, Ian Dénagnon Mahinmi, encouraged leveraging sports and youth-led initiatives as tools for resource mobilization, sensitization, and reducing discrimination. Panelists including Emefa Ama Atiamoah of Multimedia Group (Ghana) and Raoul Follereau Foundation’s medical adviser, Roch Christian Johnson, highlighted the importance of disease screening, quality healthcare, and psychological support for affected populations.
The forum also addressed key challenges in NTD elimination, such as poverty, limited awareness, inadequate funding, poor access to treatment, and stigma. Stakeholders emphasized that poverty not only increases vulnerability to NTDs but also restricts access to timely medical interventions, worsening disease burden in underserved communities.
The Benin government’s efforts were also highlighted, including the passage of a law to eliminate NTDs and an increase in the national budget for NTDs from two billion to four billion Leones, signaling strong political commitment.
Speaking to journalists, REMAPSEN President Youssouf Bamba noted that NTDs disproportionately affect marginalized populations and remain neglected despite their widespread impact. He added that the forum strengthens journalists’ capacity to report accurately, promotes collaboration across sectors, and positions NTD elimination as central to poverty reduction, education, climate response, and pandemic preparedness.
The forum celebrated Africa’s progress in tackling NTDs while highlighting opportunities for innovation, sustainable financing, and impactful media engagement to support elimination efforts.
